Ohio Nurse - June 2022
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<strong>June</strong> <strong>2022</strong> <strong>Ohio</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> Page 11<br />
Tracy Zeller, RN<br />
Bedside nurses are still struggling with getting necessary supplies like blood<br />
pressure cuffs, blood draw kits, and medications such as 50% dextrose. COVID<br />
has yet again impacted the supply chain and has now led to medical staff not being<br />
able to perform certain tests which could save lives. Due to the renewed lockdown in<br />
Shanghai, China, GE Healthcare has been unable to meet the demand for iohexol and<br />
iodixanol contrast products for computed tomography imaging since April <strong>2022</strong>. While<br />
GE Healthcare is not the only manufacturer of medical contrast dye, they do however<br />
reach 50% of U.S. Hospitals. It was not until late May of <strong>2022</strong>, that GE Healthcare<br />
reached 50% production capacity per the American Hospital Association. (Schulman,<br />
R., & Howell, M., <strong>2022</strong>) While the production of contrast still continues in China, GE<br />
Healthcare has also moved some production to other countries and does not expect<br />
normal production until late <strong>June</strong>. Once production is back to full capacity, the next<br />
task is meeting the demand.<br />
Hospitals are encouraged to be nothing less than mindful and diligent when it<br />
comes to using what contrast they do have in stock. This response means saving it<br />
for critical situations like traumas and to assess for certain cancers. So, while we as<br />
bedside nurses might be used to orders for tests such as CT PE scans or CT scans<br />
with contrast, don’t expect to see those often in the immediate future. Providers are<br />
now having to find alternative tests that can provide the answers they are looking for.<br />
The shortage of contrast has led to an increase in once previously used exams such<br />
as Ventilation Perfusion (V/Q) Scans. With a low supply of contrast, most CTs are<br />
being done without, leading providers to ask, “Are we missing something?”<br />
BEDSIDE HAPPENINGS<br />
Missing the Big Picture<br />
Not having contrast has some healthcare providers concerned over the potential<br />
disservice that may be being done to the patient by not catching what they normally<br />
would through the use of IV Contrast Dye. Dr. Matthew Davenport, the vice-chair<br />
of the American College of Radiology Commission on Quality and Safety, told U.S.<br />
News, “It’s very difficult to know what harms are going to occur from this, either<br />
from a delayed diagnosis or a misdiagnosis.” (Chuck, E., <strong>2022</strong>) We as healthcare<br />
professionals took oaths to uphold patient safety and to do what is right for them.<br />
Unfortunately, with the lack of supplies, we are having to find alternatives while still<br />
abiding by those oaths.<br />
The world is entering year three of COVID-19 and the medical supply chain, like<br />
many supply chains, still continues to struggle. As stated by the American Hospital<br />
Association, we must take steps to encourage and strengthen domestic manufacturing<br />
and production not only within our borders but also in nearby countries. (Schulman,<br />
R., & Howell, M., <strong>2022</strong>) In the U.S., we must find ways to be self-sufficient and not<br />
dependent on other countries to provide life-saving testing supplies and medications<br />
yet again. Until then, we will continue missing the big picture.<br />
Chuck, E. (<strong>2022</strong>, May 18). Shortage of contrast dye forces hospitals to ration CT scans, other<br />
procedures. NBCNews.com. Retrieved <strong>June</strong> 8, <strong>2022</strong>, from https://www.nbcnews.com/<br />
news/us-news/shortage-contrast-dye-hospitals-ration-ct-scans-procedures-rcna29379<br />
Schulman, R., & Howell, M. (<strong>2022</strong>, May 12). Shortage of contrast media for CT imaging<br />
affecting hospitals and Health Systems: AHA. American Hospital Association. Retrieved<br />
<strong>June</strong> 8, <strong>2022</strong>, from https://www.aha.org/advisory/<strong>2022</strong>-05-12-shortage-contrast-mediact-imaging-affecting-hospitals-and-health-systems<br />
The <strong>Ohio</strong> Department of Rehabilitation and Correction are<br />
looking for medical professionals in the following areas:<br />
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE, REGISTERED<br />
NURSE, and NURSE PRACTITIONER<br />
Who We Are…<br />
Guided by a single mission “To reduce recidivism among those we touch,” the <strong>Ohio</strong> Department<br />
of Rehabilitation and Correction believes that everyone is capable of positive change. Our staff<br />
embrace these core values and serves as role models for pro-social behavior conveying an attitude<br />
of dignity and respect in the treatment of others.<br />
What We Do…<br />
The <strong>Ohio</strong> Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has been tasked with front line crime<br />
reduction through rehabilitative treatment and programming efforts provided in a safe, secure and<br />
humane correctional environment and effective community supervision. Our goal is to protect the<br />
public through helping individuals turn away from crime and become productive, contributing<br />
members of our communities, ensuring a safer <strong>Ohio</strong> for all <strong>Ohio</strong>ans now and in the future.<br />
To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at www.drc.ohio.gov.<br />
• Health Care Benefits include medical, behavioral, dental, vision, prescription drug<br />
• Education Assistance<br />
• Paid Holidays<br />
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave<br />
• Retirement Benefits<br />
• Life Insurance<br />
• Wellness Incentives<br />
• Worker’s Compensation<br />
• Employee Assistance Program<br />
• LPN’s starting hourly pay will be $23.68, plus 3% supplement and may be eligible for<br />
shift differential<br />
• RN’s starting hourly pay will be $30.93, plus 3% supplement and may be eligible for<br />
shift differential<br />
• <strong>Nurse</strong> Practitioner’s starting pay is determined by a number of factors and will be<br />
advertised on individual posting announcements.<br />
Applications are accepted online at: www.careers.ohio.gov. On this website you will find the Career<br />
Center that will help you search for current job openings and tips on how to apply, how to contact<br />
hiring agencies, interviewing skills, and much more in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section.<br />
Contact us at:<br />
DRC.OfficeOfCorrectionalHealthcare@odrc.state.oh.us.